Dilip Ghosh questions need for police permission for Ram Navami, says Hindus should celebrate freely like Eid

BJP leader and former state president Dilip Ghosh strongly reacted to the explosion in Patharpratima, raising concerns about illegal factories operating in remote areas. During his morning walk in Rajarhat’s New Town, he addressed journalists, questioning why such explosions keep occurring across the state. He cited previous incidents in Naihati, Pingla, Egra, and Burdwan, emphasizing that despite the severity of these blasts, arrests and convictions remain unclear. “Every time an explosion occurs, the same question arises—was it fireworks or something else?” he stated.

Ghosh alleged that many workers in these factories are unaware of the nature of the materials they handle and questioned whether the state government is investigating possible sabotage. He claimed that explosives produced in West Bengal had previously been sent to Jharkhand, Odisha, and even Bangladesh. “Mamata Banerjee never discusses these matters. She only focuses on Hindu-Muslim issues. She does not speak or act on the fact that lives are being lost,” he added.

Demanding an NIA probe into the Patharpratima blast, Ghosh accused the state government of suppressing investigations. He alleged that authorities prevent opposition leaders from visiting such sites to erase evidence and protect culprits. “They want such incidents to happen. They want to create fear among the people before elections,” he said. BJP leaders Suvendu Adhikari and Sukanta Majumdar also criticized the government, calling for a crackdown on illegal firework units and an end to what they termed a “game of death.”

On the topic of Ram Navami celebrations in Kolkata, Ghosh defended the widespread posters and increasing participation, stating that Hindus had historically suffered oppression. “If Muslims can celebrate Eid and Muharram, then Hindus should also be able to celebrate Ram Navami freely,” he said. He questioned the need for police permission for religious events, comparing it to private festivities such as Kali Puja and weddings. “Is this the Mughal Empire? The police have been informed. Their job is to ensure that the event happens peacefully,” he added.

Responding to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s speech from Red Road, Ghosh accused her of making political remarks at an Eid gathering instead of promoting social harmony. He criticized her statements as divisive and alleged that the ruling party benefits from creating unrest. Referring to the Sachar Committee report, he stated that Muslims in West Bengal remain among the most socio-economically backward in the country, blaming successive governments for using them as a political vote bank while neglecting development. He urged the community to focus on education and progress instead of political loyalty.